| Homecoming for Duddy The "Derry Destroyer" John Duddy returns home this summer to show Irish fight fans just what they've been missing during his impressive four year stint in the Big Apple. Duddy will return to the National Stadium, Dublin the scene of many of his amateur triumphs, on Saturday, 14th of July in his first ever professional fight in Ireland. Billed as "The Homecoming" the event will be promoted by Brian Peters Promotions in association with Irish Ropes. Since leaving behind the amateur ranks in 2003 Duddy has blossomed in to New York's biggest boxing star racking up 20 straight wins during his time Stateside. A mouth watering World title clash with middleweight champ Jermain Taylor is on the cards but first Duddy wants to make his mark on this side of the Atlantic and he reckons Irish fight fans won't recognise him! They'll see the new John Duddy on July 14th, promised the 27-year-old. The guy who shows up will be a lot different to the guy who fought in the National Stadium as an amateur. It's going to be explosive and action packed and there won't be any need for seats there because the crowd will be on their feet! Duddy's promise is no idle boast the charismatic Derryman has become the hottest ticket in New York, with his action packed fights selling out Madison Square Garden. Duddy is also keen to point out to his loyal New York fanbase that they have not seen the last of him. This is the right time to come home and fulfil a dream of mine by fighting as a pro in Ireland but I'll be back in New York next week to start training for this fight and I'm sure it won't be too long before I'm fighting there again too. I'm not saying goodbye to New York, just see you later. I've learned so much in the four years I've been away and I can't wait to show everyone back home what I'm capable of. Irish boxing is on a real high right now, Bernard Dunne has lifted the sport back home and the likes of Bernard, Steve Collins and Wayne McCullough have been an inspiration to me. They all served their apprenticeship in America and it convinced me that I needed to do the same. The McLoughlin Brothers and Irish Ropes have backed me from day one out there and now it's great to be able to go home and show people how far I've come. I'm under no illusions that I still have a way to go but I'm getting there with each and every fight and I'm enjoying every minute of it at the moment. Recent talk of a world title fight with Jermain Taylor is refusing to distract Duddy. That's something my team are looking at and we will weigh up all our options when and if that time comes but for the moment I'm just taking my career fight by fight. Promoter Brian Peters is delighted to showcase Duddy. What John has done in the States has been terrific but to have him fight back home is a real boost for Irish boxing and proof that we are witnessing a great era for the sport in Ireland. This summer alone will see John, Bernard Dunne and Wayne McCullough in action in Dublin. Bernard defends his European title at the Point on June 23rd with Wayne on the undercard and then John headlines at the Stadium in July so there is an exciting few months ahead or Irish boxing. Duddy won't be short of support on July 14th with fellow Derryman Paul McCloskey headlining the supporting cast. The Dungiven light welterweight is unbeaten in 10 professional outings and he looks set for the first big test of his career on the July 14th card. McCloskey's opponent will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Also in action at the National Stadium will be Belfast's Kevin O'Hara, Mayo heavyweight Declan Timlin and unbeaten super bantamweight Eugene Heagney. Tickets for the event priced from $50 will go on sale at 9am tomorrow morning (Wednesday, May 30th) from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets. |
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